Epigenetics is a relatively new field of study that offers us a deeper understanding of how our environment affects our health. One area epigenetic researchers have been focusing on is how nutrition influences the epigenome. Here’s how it works: Through the process of digestion, the foods we eat become molecules our bodies use for various cellular functions. Some of these molecules are used as chemical tags on the epigenome. These tags determine whether genes will be expressed or not. Nutrients involved in these processes include methionine, folic acid, vitamins B12 and B6, choline, betaine, reseveratrol, genistein, sulforaphane, and diallyl sulphide, and more. Interestingly, diets high in these nutrients can quickly alter gene expression.  Foods high in these methyl donating nutrients include seeds nuts, leafy veggies, seafood, egg yolks, red wine, soy, broccoli and garlic.

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Stay tuned for a video about epigenomic research using identical twins…

Nancy